Jonathan Thomas Otto died suddenly at his home on April 10 in the early morning. Jonathan was 38 years old and was just one day shy of his 39th birthday. His death was not related to the virus.

Jonathan was born on April 11, 1981, in New Haven and is survived by his loving parents John and Darlene Otto of Guilford. Jonathan was predeceased by his brother Tyler whom he missed greatly. The two of them shared a unique language and a special sense of humor. Jonathan referred to his brother as his wing man.

Jonathan was a kind and gentle person and an honorable man. He leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who all treasured him. Jonathan adored and cared for his cat Scully that Tyler brought home from college several years ago.

Jonathan graduated from Guilford High School in 2000 and then graduated cum laude from American University in Washington, DC in 2004. After graduating he worked as a talented and creative film editor for several years in Savannah, Georgia, and locally. He also worked as a production assistant on several movie projects.

A friend from college wrote on Jon’s Facebook page saying, “a lot of Jon’s friends know he was a movie buff, and in particular a connoisseur of film scores. You could play a few notes of the most obscure movie cue ever, and Jon could ID it—no problem. In the AU days it was not uncommon to go blazing down the streets of Washington DC to a piece from Close Encounters or, just to change things up, Lost in Translation. You could make a crazy claim like, ‘The cue In Orbit from John Williams’ score to Space Camp might be one of his best ever,’ and Jon would reply, ‘You may be on to something there.’ Jon unabashedly loved the films we all grew up on, and in a way helped keep that side of life alive for many of us.”

Jonathan worked at The Place Restaurant in Guilford for many years and he was currently an assistant manager with hopes that they could re-open this summer. He loved working there. The owners and the crew he worked with at The Place were a wonderful and caring extended family for him.

In these difficult times there will be no services. Perhaps some day, all that loved him can gather to mourn together and to share happy memories.

If you wish to remember him with some form of a contribution, he would want people to contribute to The Connecticut Food Bank at www.ctfoodbank.org during these difficult days. To sign the online guestbook, please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.